Introducing New Book “Women in High Def” by Diane Markins

by Joan C Webb on September 13, 2012

Shortly after I moved from snowy Minnesota to sunny Arizona 14 years ago, I met a lovely tall woman named Diane Markins. (Of course, almost everyone is taller than Joan C. Webb, but never mind!!) I’m grateful that God introduced us, because Diane has become a caring friend, as well as a talented, supportive fellow-writer. Today I have the privilege of joining Diane’s GOING BOLDLY New Book BLOG TOUR.

Diane Markins aspires to live in High Def, as a wife, mom, grandmother, friend, colleague, author and businesswoman. She uses her radio show, writing and speaking to inspire women to transform their lives from mediocre and complacent to bold and vibrant. Diane writes two blogs, WomenInHighDef.com and WordsInHighDef.com, is a regular contributor to the Presidential Prayer Team website and CBN.com. She and her husband of 33 years work and live close to their children in Arizona.

Why read Diane’s new book? Here’s what our mutual friend and well-respected author, Carol Kent, says,“Women in High Defwill remind you that when God writes your story, you are in for the adventure of a lifetime! Diane Markins has written a book addressing topics women deal with on a day-to-day basis. If you are looking for a contemporary, captivating read filled with practical advice that will give you insight and wisdom for daily decisions, this is it!” Carol Kent, Speaker and Author of Between a Rock and a Grace Place (Zondervan)

Leave a comment about the book or author on this blog post (during the book tour dates of September 10-14!)

Each blog tour host will draw one name from those comments to send to the tour coordinator by September 21.

The coordinator will put all the names into a drawing, and select a winner, using an online randomizer.

The coordinator will notify the blog tour host who submitted the winning name.

The blog tour host will notify the winner and collect the mailing info so the author can send out the prize.

Story Excerpt: Diane and I have a few things in common: we’re both writers, grandmothers, God-lovers, and we long to live in “the relief of imperfection.” As you know I even wrote a few books about this topic! Diane and I chat about this, too. That’s why I appreciated the following story from Women in High Def.

Falling Down Gorgeous

Time takes its toll on all of us. Parts of me that were once up here are now down there. My face, once smooth and fresh was becoming a bit weathered and wrinkled. Other areas that used to be firm are now wiggly. As I turned fifty I began to notice that I was becoming invisible, based on my appearance. That’s a big fat horse pill to swallow for my ego. But that’s okay. The good news is that when people start to see less of me, they see more of Jesus. He’s much more appealing and has no hidden agenda.

I hate to admit it, but I still enjoy being noticed on occasion. My husband and I went on a date to a very fancy mountaintop restaurant overlooking the city. I dressed for the occasion in my fitted black slacks, silky blouse and high heels.

I followed the maitre de to our table, my husband right behind me. I was feeling pretty good about myself and strutted a bit as we crossed a large open expanse of the room. As my stilettos went from carpet to wood floor something strange happened…I began to skate, stumble and flail about, for what felt like ten excruciating minutes, before finally landing flat on my keister. For endless moments all sound ceased except the quiet music in the background. Diners, servers and kitchen staff gaped at me, frozen in mid-action.

Graciously, I was helped up, escorted to and seated at our table, where they elevated and iced my swollen ankle. Then—to my horror—the paramedics arrived, causing an even bigger stir. Servers and managers came by frequently to check on me. Finally, our fellow diners made their way to our table as they departed to share their own “fall down” tales.

Earlier that evening, I had hoped for a little extra attention. But this wasn’t what I had in mind. Now I was just grateful I hadn’t chosen the skirt I had considered that was still hanging on my closet door. My experience that night was a great reminder that the only beauty that matters is what the Lord puts in our hearts. Everything else “falls” short in the end.

Note to Diane: Thanks for writing this book and sharing the stories, prayer-prompts and life coaching questions that encourage women to move out of a low-def, foggy life into living fearlessly for God.

Joan, you are such a an inspiration to me and countless others. I’ll never forget how gracious you’ve been to offer brilliant insight and encouragement as I was moving through the publishing process. Your clients, readers and audiences always get more than they bargain for! Thanks again for participating in the tour.
Bold Blessings,
Diane